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Razing in Havat Gilad
Photo: Gur Dotan
Barak in Givati base
Photo: Linoy Elichi, Defense Ministry

Barak: Settlers' anti-razing protest a 'provocation'

Defense minister comments on soldier's refusal to return to army after his Havat Gilad house was razed, says 'citizens cannot take matters into their own hands'

Defense Minister Ehud Barak commented Tuesday on Shimon Weisman's refusal to return to military service after seening bulldozers demolishing his illegal house in the settlement of Havat Gilad. "The matter must be dealt with to avoid anarchy," he said during a tour of the Givati Brigade's training base.

 

Barak endorsed the razing of illegal structures in Havat Gilad and described the settlers' opposition as "provocation."

 

"The government must enforce its authority over its citizens. One cannot allow citizens to take matters into their own hands," he said. 

 

The IDF Spokesperson's Office said in response that it viewed Weisman's refusal to return to military service as "extremely serious".

 

"The IDF does not choose its missions and expects its soldiers not to mix political issues with their service," the army said in a statement.

 

Weisman was given special leave after he discovered his home was one of three structures demolished during a violent clash between settlers and police officers.

 

A series of "price tag" acts followed the razing. The windshields of seven Palestinian cars were smashed Tuesday by right-wing activists.

 

On Monday, settlers blocked roads in Jerusalem, torched tires and are suspected of hurling a Molotov cocktail at a house in Hawara. The Palestinians filed a complaint with the Civil Administration. The IDF is probing the case.

 

 


פרסום ראשון: 03.01.11, 15:27
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